School News: A Higher Ed Partnership to Bring Attention to Social Justice Issues
Winter 2021
Washington, DC, has long been center stage for bringing attention to issues of social justice and racial equity, and a new partnership between two historic DC institutions is continuing the tradition. Building on a collaboration that began in 2018, Howard University and Sidwell Friends School have formalized a partnership focused on transforming the civic dialogue about race, democracy, equity, and education among teachers and youth leaders. “Now more than ever, the future of racial justice and equity in this nation rests on working with some of the top young minds so they can grow into the solution-oriented critical thinkers of tomorrow,” says Howard University President Wayne A.I. Frederick.
The partnership, which is the first of its kind at both institutions, focuses on providing training opportunities for future teachers, culturally responsive teaching in schools, and greater dialogue on race, diversity, and democracy. The new agreement expands the professional opportunities for Howard students training to be teachers that the original collaboration established. Howard faculty will work with Sidwell Friends to provide student teachers with more classroom opportunities for on-the-job training as well as career coaching, interview preparation, skill building, and classroom mentoring. In addition, Howard faculty will work with Sidwell teachers to refine the school’s curricula and provide training on culturally responsive teaching that is inclusive of African and African American perspectives and history.
As the partnership deepens, it will lead to a mentorship program in which Howard undergraduates and graduate students serve as mentors for Sidwell high school students; a summer 2021 institute on racial equity and law with Howard University School of Law’s Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center; and an interfaith dialogue program with Howard’s School of Divinity to promote service projects, conflict resolution, and cultural understanding.
“Together, we hope to deepen the conversation about racial justice in our communities, to contribute to the national dialogue, and to inspire tomorrow’s leaders,” says Sidwell Friends Head of School Bryan Garman. What’s happening at your school? Share your story with us at [email protected].